Dante Cunningham SELECTED BY: Trail Blazers Round 2 (3)

SI Rank 2

BIOGRAPHY: After a fairly unspectacular first three years of his college career, Cunningham emerged as Villanova's leading scorer as a senior, averaging 16.1 points to help lead the Wildcats to their first final four in 24 years. He was usually the lone post player on the court for Villanova and flourished, also leading the team in rebounding with 7.5 rebounds. Cunningham was named the most improved player in the Big East and a second team all-conference selection after improving on his averages of 10.4 points and 6.5 rebounds as a junior. Much of his improvement has been attributed to his work ethic, which is one of his biggest strengths. Despite being a bit undersized, Cunningham played power forward in the Big East against NBA-caliber big men such as DeJuan Blair and Greg Monroe and held his own. Cunningham makes up for his lack of bulk with an outstanding mid-range jumper. He became a reliable safety valve for Villanova's guards to find around the free-throw line, where Cunningham was able to draw bigger opponents away from the protecting the rim. Cunningham has great hands and possesses good stamina. His constant pursuit of the basketball is a product of his work rate, and he is developing as a better shot blocker. The biggest negative about Cunningham is that he is built more like a small forward than someone who can bang down low in the NBA. There are also questions as to how well he can finish against the superior athletes at the next level. Cunningham is a likely second-round draft pick who may eventually be able to gain a spot in a nine-man NBA rotation.